A statement by Cardinal Egan of New York, released on 26 August
2008, in response to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's remarks on
Meet the Press, 24 August 2008, regarding the impact of the Church's
historic uncertainty about when life begins in the womb on a "woman's
right to choose."

NEW YORK, 26 AUG. 2008 (ZENIT)

Here is the statement Cardinal Edward Egan of New York released today
in which he clarifies the stance of the Church against abortion.

* * *

Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that
the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of
America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom
Brokow of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say
about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only
misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day
and age.

We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and
action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No
one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know
what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as
they smile and wave into the world outside the womb.

In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to
live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound
to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are
not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon
the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend
that they may be legitimately killed because another human being
“chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not
be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.